tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356105222018-03-09T06:54:50.317-06:00Lemon Harangue PieDessert for the mind...or is it desert?Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.comBlogger1519125LemonHaranguePiehttps://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-69110444359975093882018-02-13T17:10:00.001-06:002018-02-13T17:10:53.476-06:00What it looks like when we've run out of things to offend us<center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zbxO32wZV_4/WoNqbq-nNRI/AAAAAAAAK-s/DX-bFOCvzlMu3j0owdT0n0NMdKUvOG2mgCLcBGAs/s1600/black_panther.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zbxO32wZV_4/WoNqbq-nNRI/AAAAAAAAK-s/DX-bFOCvzlMu3j0owdT0n0NMdKUvOG2mgCLcBGAs/s640/black_panther.jpg" width="560"></a></center><br />When we've run out of things to offend us, we start digging and scrounging to find something—<i>anything</i>—even remotely controversial. Leave it to a publication like <i>The New York Times</i> to find controversy in kids dressing up as superheroes. In this particular case, white kids <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/13/style/black-panther-children-costumes.html" target="new">dressing up as Black Panther</a>:<br /><blockquote>Black Panther costumes—whether the character's full raiment or just his claws and mask—are on toy store shelves (and, of course, on Amazon) in anticipation of the film's Feb. 16 release. At best, the character get-ups speak to the enthusiastic embrace of a black superhero. At worst, they could be perceived as an unwitting form of cultural appropriation, which has in recent years become a subject of freighted discourse.</blockquote>Exactly how a white kid could be guilty of "cultural appropriation" by dressing up as a fictional comic book character created by two white guys is beyond me, but apparently this is a serious discussion parents are supposed to be having with their kids.Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-77935085340820025092017-12-04T13:48:00.002-06:002017-12-04T13:48:35.584-06:00What politicians mean by "tax reform"<center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sjD-stO1PU/WiWlgFj6W2I/AAAAAAAAK8Y/0IjDD6TK0uc1DaFrhzoTYQFJGAmKxJWzgCLcBGAs/s1600/tax_reform.jpg"><img width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sjD-stO1PU/WiWlgFj6W2I/AAAAAAAAK8Y/0IjDD6TK0uc1DaFrhzoTYQFJGAmKxJWzgCLcBGAs/s1600/tax_reform.jpg" /></a></center><br />Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-24435892063209772632017-06-21T17:28:00.003-05:002017-06-21T17:29:58.462-05:00Terrorist squirrel attack in NYC office building<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0L4kZVJuN0/WUryGZkeErI/AAAAAAAAK2Y/M8FhxRApGY0tWhIIShlB5nPl1YnbS2YYgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-06-21%2Bat%2B5.21.58%2BPM.png"><img width="600" border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="773" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0L4kZVJuN0/WUryGZkeErI/AAAAAAAAK2Y/M8FhxRApGY0tWhIIShlB5nPl1YnbS2YYgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-06-21%2Bat%2B5.21.58%2BPM.png" /></a></div>A rogue squirrel broke into the Time Inc. building in Manhattan yesterday, terrorizing office workers. Security was no match for the furry tree rat. The <i>New York Post</i> <a href="http://nypost.com/2017/06/20/rogue-squirrel-goes-nuts-in-time-inc-office-building/" target="new">has the story</a>.Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-33925057819875411312017-04-26T12:18:00.001-05:002017-04-26T12:18:39.021-05:00Bill Nye: "Saving the world" by destroying scienceI got about 3 1/2 minutes into the first episode of <i>Bill Nye Saves the World</i> on Netflix and couldn't take any more. The "Science Guy" put some red liquid in a flask over a Bunsen burner and watched as the liquid began to expand due to the heat. He then used that illustration to claim that a slight increase in ocean temperature would cause flooding in places like Miami. Yes, heating up fluid in a glass tube proves the devastating effects of man-made global warming. You can't deny the science!<br /><br />I'll be honest. When I first heard of this show, I knew it was going to be less about science and more about pushing a political agenda. Here are just a few of the episode descriptions to show you what I mean:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_3Km50QLas/WP4Sory4HNI/AAAAAAAAK0k/28p1keSAXjMDm_NUAGnZ3PdQxodF-FCewCLcB/s1600/science.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_3Km50QLas/WP4Sory4HNI/AAAAAAAAK0k/28p1keSAXjMDm_NUAGnZ3PdQxodF-FCewCLcB/s320/science.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Episode 1: Earth Is a Hot Mess</b><br /><i>Bill calls out climate change deniers, breaks down the science of global warming and explains how we can make the planet a cooler place to live.</i><br /><br />Nye goes so far as to say "global warming and climate change are way worse" than all the world wars and pandemics we've had. He even has a couple quasi-celebrities in a silly skit to prove his point. He even goes off on a rant about "climate change deniers," and then wraps up the show with a panel of non-scientists who have the solution to this pressing problem. The science is settled, folks, because there's a consensus. And science ain't about questioning the consensus.<br /><br /><b>Episode 5: The Original Martian Invasion</b><br /><i>Bill introduces the theory of panspermia, NASA scientists discuss the Mars 2020 mission, and Wil Wheaton and the panel ponder life on other planets.</i><br /><br />The idea that the universe was designed and created by an intelligent God? Hogwash! Life evolving by chance in outer space and traveling to Earth? Totally scientifically plausible! Never mind how life began on far-off worlds, because science apparently doesn't bother with trivial things like that. (Side note: I was <i>really</i> disappointed to see professing Christian and food celebrity Alton Brown take part in this episode.)<br /><br /><b>Episode 9: The Sexual Spectrum</b><br /><i>Sex is complex! Bill explores the ever-evolving science of sexuality with help from a panel of experts and "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" star Rachel Bloom.</i><br /><br />I don't even know where to begin, but this disgusting, inappropriate, NSFW clip pretty much says it all. Watch at your own risk:<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wllc5gSc-N8?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></center><br />Remember, this is science, and if you question it, you're a small-minded bigot.<br /><br /><b>Episode 11: Malarkey!</b><br /><i>Chemtrails. Crop circles. Palm readers. Bill takes aim at pseudoscience and explains how confirmation bias makes us believe things that aren't true.</i><br /><br />Is there a lot of pseudoscience out there? Absolutely. But confirmation bias isn't limited to tinfoil hat-wearing crackpots, as you'll see below.<br /><br /><b>Episode 13: Earth's People Problem</b><br /><i>Bill and his guests talk about tackling overpopulation by empowering women. Comedian Joanna Hausmann interviews couples about male contraception.</i><br /><br />Perhaps the most revealing moment in this episode was when Nye let slip "population c..." during a conversation. He caught himself before he finished saying the world "control," but it was clear what he meant. Now, you'd think the myth of overpopulation would have disappeared as quickly as Paul Ehrlich's credibility. In 1968, Erlich wrote a book titled <i>The Population Bomb</i>, in which he predicted a massive, global famine that would kill hundreds of millions of people in the 1970s. Yeah, that didn't happen, but Erlich is running around claiming that even though his timing was off, he's still right. Forget the fact that global poverty is at an <a href="https://ourworldindata.org/extreme-poverty/#declining-global-poverty-1820-2010-share-of-people-living-in-extreme-poverty-max-roserref" target-"new">all-time low</a>. See, facts don't matter when you have a political ideology to advance, and confirmation bias only exists among those who disagree with you.<br /><br />If you're looking for <i>real</i> science and an intelligent discussion of issues, steer clear of <i>Bill Nye Saves the World</i>. However, if you enjoy pseudoscience, progressive politics, wisecracks about religion, unfunny jokes, and lame entertainment, then this show might be right up your alley.Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-86132409696930351342017-04-22T09:24:00.000-05:002017-04-22T09:24:08.813-05:00"March for Science" actually a march for politicsWhat's the best way for scientists to show that science isn't about politics? By staging a protest that <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/04/22/march-science-aims-counter-alarming-anti-science-trends/100780684/" target="new">makes science all about politics</a>, of course:<br /><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htnWCM7vFEc/WPtmF0ODs5I/AAAAAAAAK0Q/qk6NKQYkDPEu-ZHQ90-tUd5U1_jG48H-wCLcB/s1600/march_for_science.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htnWCM7vFEc/WPtmF0ODs5I/AAAAAAAAK0Q/qk6NKQYkDPEu-ZHQ90-tUd5U1_jG48H-wCLcB/s200/march_for_science.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>While billing itself as nonpartisan, the March for Science movement, including rallies and marches in more than 600 communities, clearly sees the Trump administration, which has expressed skepticism about man's role in climate change and has eased regulations on coal and oil production, as a threat to science.<br /><br />Of particular concern to critics is the Trump administration's budget that calls for sizable cuts in funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy's Office of Science.</blockquote>OK, so this isn't so much a march <i>for</i> science as it is a march <i>against</i> policies that undermine science. If that's the case, then perhaps we will see those gathered calling for politicians to quit ignoring scientific evidence when it comes to biological sex and when human life begins. But I won't hold my breath.Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-83329917532569753342017-01-18T10:42:00.002-06:002017-01-18T10:42:23.533-06:00Can you find the iPhone in this 350-year-old painting?Just when you think you've seen everything, <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2016/05/25/apple-ceo-tim-cook-saw-an-iphone-in-a-near-350-year-old-painting.html" target="new">you spot an iPhone</a> in a 350-year-old painting.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfkr-lX-FNI/WH-WhnjBMuI/AAAAAAAAKwo/IcSV25qXCQsreEqq1MkCMR7LN5hCRTZvwCLcB/s1600/Man_hands_a_letter_to_a_woman_in_a_hall%252C_by_Pieter_de_Hooch.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfkr-lX-FNI/WH-WhnjBMuI/AAAAAAAAKwo/IcSV25qXCQsreEqq1MkCMR7LN5hCRTZvwCLcB/s640/Man_hands_a_letter_to_a_woman_in_a_hall%252C_by_Pieter_de_Hooch.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4FYqbH8sns/WH-Wqr19mZI/AAAAAAAAKws/LJjn00j9bVclvHgEg_lGKXOTW-IauVu6ACLcB/s1600/iphone%2Bpainting.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4FYqbH8sns/WH-Wqr19mZI/AAAAAAAAKws/LJjn00j9bVclvHgEg_lGKXOTW-IauVu6ACLcB/s640/iphone%2Bpainting.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><br />Hmmm. It's either time travel or...<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DlrWF-Q5c0I/WH-Xi8zmM5I/AAAAAAAAKw0/yVAFwWxJSxkFTKi2XzxMjnhrKGIDPy1sACLcB/s1600/aliens.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DlrWF-Q5c0I/WH-Xi8zmM5I/AAAAAAAAKw0/yVAFwWxJSxkFTKi2XzxMjnhrKGIDPy1sACLcB/s1600/aliens.jpg" /></a>Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-46812262648990587432016-06-30T15:22:00.000-05:002016-06-30T15:22:23.604-05:00Find all the examples of racism in this swim safety posterLet's play a game. See how many examples of racism you can find in this poster put out by the Red Cross. Ready? Set? Go!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AAHn9a3FNoA/V3V4FO_MoRI/AAAAAAAAJcY/058F4rUKCQwCwV0xsk0NS8axAZ-6Ah6vwCLcB/s1600/swim_safety_poster.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AAHn9a3FNoA/V3V4FO_MoRI/AAAAAAAAJcY/058F4rUKCQwCwV0xsk0NS8axAZ-6Ah6vwCLcB/s1600/swim_safety_poster.jpg" /></a></div><br />If you couldn't find any examples racism, then you failed the test. As a white, middle-class person, you need to check your privilege and admit that you are incapable of understanding the kind of pain and suffering endured by those who have to deal with being triggered by the never-ending barrage of micro-aggressions inflicted by people such as yourself. You need to strive to be more like Margaret Sawyer, who took one look at that poster and recognized it <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/06/28/red-cross-new-pool-safety-poster-racially-insensitive/86463252/" target="new">for the racist propaganda that it is</a>.<br /><br />We now live in a world in which the mere hint of logic, reason, and rationality can be considered racist and intolerant. The sooner you get used to that fact, the better.Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-60803904592966582322016-05-08T22:07:00.001-05:002016-05-08T22:08:12.185-05:00The most incredible tornado footage ever recorded<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TxpzXQPvO_E/Vy_-vSsSrpI/AAAAAAAAJbU/Gg2jCnMrg_owwd7txPp-oqqjTEP8KscJgCLcB/s1600/tornado.png"><img width="600" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TxpzXQPvO_E/Vy_-vSsSrpI/AAAAAAAAJbU/Gg2jCnMrg_owwd7txPp-oqqjTEP8KscJgCLcB/s1600/tornado.png" /></a></div><br />You can't get more up-close and personal with a tornado than this:<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="338" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bjb7QtMEBUg?rel=0" width="600"></iframe></center><br />Check out an amazing 360° video of the twister <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=35610522" target="new">here</a>.Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-33535392401066312802016-04-01T09:41:00.000-05:002017-01-18T10:31:34.295-06:00The squirrel headline we all knew we'd see eventually<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gq0nfe9SAzg/Vv6IS7nnDcI/AAAAAAAAJZ4/yIrgXJwRMg0rTn9Z2tzcKsKGiBOBUeGjw/s1600/evil_squirrel.jpg"><img width="600" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gq0nfe9SAzg/Vv6IS7nnDcI/AAAAAAAAJZ4/yIrgXJwRMg0rTn9Z2tzcKsKGiBOBUeGjw/s1600/evil_squirrel.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's one of those headlines you dreaded seeing, but knew was inevitable:<br /><br /><blockquote><h2><a href="http://www.thv11.com/news/local/trending/rogue-squirrel-results-in-school-lockdown-swat-responds/110219952" target="new">Rogue squirrel results in school lockdown, SWAT responds</a></h2></blockquote><br />The tree rat threat must be dealt with.Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-37316733003677638472016-02-18T08:54:00.000-06:002016-02-18T08:54:59.417-06:00'Prequel' trailer for 'Back to the Future' explains terrorist backstory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oWNHaPTEcA/VsXZqWRXhoI/AAAAAAAAJZM/hIagVWTd0Sk/s1600/1.21_gigawatts.png"><img width="600" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oWNHaPTEcA/VsXZqWRXhoI/AAAAAAAAJZM/hIagVWTd0Sk/s1600/1.21_gigawatts.png" /></a></div><br />Remember how <i>Back to the Future</i> kind of glossed over the whole backstory of how Doc Brown got involved with Libyan terrorists? Kind of important, right? Well, this "prequel" trailer gives us the background we need...<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="337" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/155616916" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe></center><br />(via <a href="http://www.avclub.com/article/tense-prequel-fully-explores-back-futures-terroris-232391" target="new">A.V. Club</a>)Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-71902719374697181302016-02-10T14:36:00.000-06:002016-02-10T15:51:24.247-06:00Donald Trump meets the Honeymooners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PJNY1Ap64wg/Vrue8eqMzdI/AAAAAAAAJYw/ILSfMQrPL38/s1600/trump_honeymooners.png"><img width="600" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PJNY1Ap64wg/Vrue8eqMzdI/AAAAAAAAJYw/ILSfMQrPL38/s1600/trump_honeymooners.png" /></a></div><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="338" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3XriXDtfqCg?rel=0" width="600"></iframe></center>Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-37738727631927508592016-02-09T11:12:00.000-06:002016-02-09T11:12:48.287-06:00Squirrel Roundup (February 9, 2016)It's been too long since I've done a Squirrel Roundup. Better late than never, I guess...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQAEoDr5G2o/VrodD8jjV7I/AAAAAAAAJYc/HKT-Jdj5Z-k/s1600/terrorist_squirrels.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQAEoDr5G2o/VrodD8jjV7I/AAAAAAAAJYc/HKT-Jdj5Z-k/s1600/terrorist_squirrels.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Image source: <a href="http://www.funnyjunk.com/Terrorists/funny-pictures/4903397/" target="new">FunnyJunk</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Terrorist squirrel leaves thousands without power</b><br />The people of Tulsa are on alert after a terrorist squirrel <a href="http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2016/02/05/Squirrel-left-thousands-without-power-in-Tulsa/3701454702122/" target="new">attacked a power substation</a> that left 5,500 people without electricity:<br /><blockquote>"We put all kinds of animal guards on our equipment that occasionally these critters find a way to circumvent," Public Service Oklahoma spokesperson Ed Bettinger told Tulsa World.<br /><br />The squirrel reportedly "touched the wrong thing" and Bettinger suspects that the squirrel was likely left "beyond charred" in the accident.</blockquote>This kind of thing is a lot more common than you can imagine. In fact, there's an entire web site devoted to documenting just such attacks. Check it out at <a href="http://cybersquirrel1.com/" target="new">CyberSquirrel1.com</a>.<br /><br /><b>Warning issued after spate of squirrel attacks</b><br />Park visitors in Dorset, England, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=35610522" target="new">are being attacked</a> by gangs of vicious squirrels:<br /><blockquote>The Nothe Gardens in Weymouth have seen a number of incidents of squirrels apprently "ganging up" on passers-by and even chasing people along the path - according to local reports.<br /><br />Several people say they have been bitten after sitting down on a park bench.<br /><br />One man has told how a squirrel sank its teeth into his finger.</blockquote>And England still won't relax its gun-control laws.<br /><br /><b>Woman facing jail time for harboring squirrels</b><br />A New Jersey woman is <a href="http://6abc.com/pets/new-jersey-squirrel-mom-speaking-out-against-charges-for-helping-animals/1160715/" target="new">in trouble with the law</a> for taking in two orphaned tree rats:<br /><blockquote>Maria Vaccarella of Howell said she was only trying to help one squirrel, and then it surprised her and gave birth to two baby squirrels.<br /><br />"We left the babies in the cage outside for 24 hours. (The mother) never came back. I brought them in, kept them warm, bottle fed them," Vaccarella said.<br /><br />She said there's no way the baby squirrels could have survived without their mother.<br /><br />Vaccarella reached out to registered wildlife rehabilitators. When they could not take the squirrels in, she became their foster mom.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://6abc.com/video/embed/?pid=1160715" width="476"></iframe></blockquote>She was subsequently slapped with a hefty fine and is now facing up to six months in jail for keeping dangerous animals without a permit. A pretty light sentence for harboring terrorists, if you ask me.*<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Please note this is all in good fun. I despise this kind of tyrannical government overreach and side 100% with Ms. Vaccarella.</span>Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-71101034553263040282016-01-05T12:00:00.002-06:002016-01-05T12:00:47.465-06:00John Cleese brings Basil Fawlty back to life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yn58pKb8JSw/VowEnnlNjuI/AAAAAAAAJXg/LFD9oanqJtY/s1600/fawlty.jpg"><img width="600" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yn58pKb8JSw/VowEnnlNjuI/AAAAAAAAJXg/LFD9oanqJtY/s1600/fawlty.jpg" /></a></div><br />Even if it is just for a short commercial.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="338" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n9tSN0178Us?rel=0" width="600"></iframe></center><br />Here, Cleese gives some insight into one of the most popular British sitcoms of all-time...<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="338" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iRdldNfUXNM?rel=0" width="600"></iframe></center>Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-52902733681719431312015-12-16T18:21:00.000-06:002015-12-16T18:24:09.771-06:00Celebrate Christmas and 'Star Wars' with this Darth Vader Yule log video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bja71BobVTg/VnH_bBwN94I/AAAAAAAAJWs/ye6gKzQbCZM/s1600/vader_yule_log.jpg"><img width="600" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bja71BobVTg/VnH_bBwN94I/AAAAAAAAJWs/ye6gKzQbCZM/s1600/vader_yule_log.jpg" /></a></div><br />I thought <a href="http://www.lemonharanguepie.com/2015/12/nick-offermans-yule-log-video-is-best.html">Nick Offerman's Yule log</a> video was the best Yule log video ever. Now, I'm not so sure. With the premiere of <i>Star Wars: The Force Awakens</i> and Christmas within a week of each other, <i>this</i> just might be the best Yule log video ever. Either way, enjoy!<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="338" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PVJzibVS2YM?rel=0" width="600"></iframe></center>Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-86786562206433342052015-12-03T06:46:00.000-06:002015-12-16T18:23:33.748-06:00Nick Offerman's Yule log video is the best Yule log video in the history of Yule log videos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9jUv9RClOiI/VnIAcJoygRI/AAAAAAAAJW0/Q_7yR-zI7qE/s1600/offerman_yule_log.jpg"><img width="600" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9jUv9RClOiI/VnIAcJoygRI/AAAAAAAAJW0/Q_7yR-zI7qE/s1600/offerman_yule_log.jpg" /></a></div><br />There are countless Yule log videos out there, but only one features Nick Offerman sitting in silence with a glass of whisky next to a crackling fire. Enjoy!<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="338" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LS-ErOKpO4E?rel=0" width="600"></iframe></center>Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-78792738569763672042015-11-17T15:48:00.000-06:002015-11-17T15:48:05.019-06:00Video conference call in real life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kDiaM_inHo/Vkuga4tWolI/AAAAAAAAJVw/UoML3UOK9sI/s1600/video_conf_call.jpg"><img width="600" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kDiaM_inHo/Vkuga4tWolI/AAAAAAAAJVw/UoML3UOK9sI/s1600/video_conf_call.jpg" /></a></div><br />So true.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="338" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JMOOG7rWTPg?rel=0" width="600"></iframe></center>Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-66207122995267863362015-11-10T18:49:00.000-06:002015-11-10T18:49:43.189-06:00My take on the Starbucks "controversy": It's entirely fabricated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lqy0CKHX4Hw/VkKP86iwbYI/AAAAAAAAJVU/HqUJmnhfl4A/s1600/starbucks_illuminati.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lqy0CKHX4Hw/VkKP86iwbYI/AAAAAAAAJVU/HqUJmnhfl4A/s200/starbucks_illuminati.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>My conspiracy theory for the week: The Starbucks red cup "controversy" is entirely fabricated. Aside from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joshua.feuerstein.5/videos/689569711145714/" target="new">Joshua Feuerstein</a> (a guy no one had even heard of until this thing got started, and who I'm not entirely convinced isn't a character created by comedian Kevin James), not one professing Christian has complained about Starbucks. The only complaints I have seen are from those complaining about those who are complaining...who don't even exist. It's like starting a nationwide protest campaign aimed at unicorn poachers. You gotta love social media.<br /><br />It is often said that any publicity is good publicity. And if New Coke worked for Coca-Cola in 1985, "anti-Christmas" cups will work for Starbucks in 2015.Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-2871783231721880372015-11-06T10:43:00.000-06:002015-11-06T10:43:21.185-06:00'Star Wars' international trailer features exciting new footageCheck it out!<br /><br /><center><iframe width="600" height="338" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SdAUiyeJMFQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center>Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-86602021851136814122015-10-19T21:48:00.000-05:002015-10-19T21:48:30.522-05:00No more teasers. The official 'Star Wars' trailer is here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTpC4TrjUHQ/ViWrNzmfX-I/AAAAAAAAJUQ/315luC9gJz4/s1600/star_wars_7_trailer.jpg"><img width="600" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTpC4TrjUHQ/ViWrNzmfX-I/AAAAAAAAJUQ/315luC9gJz4/s1600/star_wars_7_trailer.jpg" /></a></div><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="338" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sGbxmsDFVnE?rel=0" width="600"></iframe></center>Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-86120365082265479082015-10-15T13:58:00.001-05:002015-10-15T13:58:19.081-05:00Christopher Walken reads 'The Raven'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5ENFDKlt9o/Vh_1fTgE_QI/AAAAAAAAJTc/8RsMxsTgyBE/s1600/walken.jpg"><img width="600" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5ENFDKlt9o/Vh_1fTgE_QI/AAAAAAAAJTc/8RsMxsTgyBE/s1600/walken.jpg" /></a></div><br />I thought this seemed fitting, being so close to Halloween. And seriously, who better to read Edgar Allen Poe's classic poem than Christopher Walken? This track is from the 1997 recording <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Closed-Account-Rabies-Poems-Tales/dp/B000003ZVR" target="new"><i>Closed on Account of Rabies: Poems and Tales of Edgar Allan Poe</i></a>.<br /><br /><center><iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/65457402&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></center>Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-33534423288589750052015-10-13T14:30:00.001-05:002015-10-13T14:30:47.687-05:00The perfect cocktails to serve during the Democratic debate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YrANybrxtk/Vh1bF6hEF_I/AAAAAAAAJTM/rev4Sek4sJk/s1600/debate_cocktails.jpg"><img width="600" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YrANybrxtk/Vh1bF6hEF_I/AAAAAAAAJTM/rev4Sek4sJk/s1600/debate_cocktails.jpg" /></a></div><br />These wonderfully appropriate cocktail recipes are courtesy of <a href="https://reason.com/reasontv/2015/10/13/democratic-debate-cocktails" target="new"><i>Reason.com</i></a>. Actually, tipping back a few cocktails is probably the best way to make it through tonight's debate.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="338" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Apfd10FlgME?rel=0" width="600"></iframe></center>Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-21489596789564652292015-09-26T07:39:00.000-05:002015-09-26T07:39:00.429-05:00Super-fast camera can capture the movement of light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qq86QB0MO-4/VgW-mmhBcaI/AAAAAAAAJRw/y4qRHEbmIhM/s1600/mit_camera.jpg"><img width="600" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qq86QB0MO-4/VgW-mmhBcaI/AAAAAAAAJRw/y4qRHEbmIhM/s1600/mit_camera.jpg" /></a></div><br />Photography is a field that has seen quite a few advancements since the <a href="http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions/permanent/firstphotograph/" target="new">very first camera photo</a> was taken nearly two centuries ago. But nothing is quite as impressive as <a href="http://magazine.good.is/articles/super-fast-camera-works-at-light-speed?mbid=psocial_wired" target="new">this high-speed camera</a> developed (no pun intended) at MIT. At 1,000,000,000 (yes, that's <i>one trillion</i>) frames per second, it is so fast that it can actually capture light as it travels. Check it out:<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="338" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Z8EtlBe8Ts?rel=0" width="600"></iframe></center>Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-10376520854134809772015-09-25T10:37:00.000-05:002015-09-25T10:37:43.417-05:00Bernie Sanders supporter can't see the irony in her Facebook post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qxzgSMPdfxo/VgVpV56ek3I/AAAAAAAAJRg/sIiaTFEp2Ow/s1600/bernie_sanders_irony.jpg"><img width="600" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qxzgSMPdfxo/VgVpV56ek3I/AAAAAAAAJRg/sIiaTFEp2Ow/s1600/bernie_sanders_irony.jpg" /></a></div><br />To be fair, socialists aren't known for their intellectual consistency.<br /><br />(via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10207650039833795&amp;set=a.1264682621928.40233.1375630950&amp;type=3&amp;permPage=1" target="new">Facebook</a>)Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-91261324611983905052015-09-14T10:27:00.000-05:002015-09-14T10:27:53.219-05:00British police: 'Turn in your knife, surrender your life.' Or something like that.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XKomKef8c18/VfYwN7KbVWI/AAAAAAAAJRA/TGbHgM-S3Fg/s1600/knife_amnesty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XKomKef8c18/VfYwN7KbVWI/AAAAAAAAJRA/TGbHgM-S3Fg/s320/knife_amnesty.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Six years ago, I <a href="http://www.lemonharanguepie.com/2009/06/britain-introduces-anti-stab-knife.html" target="new">made note</a> of an interesting story from Great Britain about an "anti-stab" knife invented by industrial designer John Cornock. His line of knives, aptly named <a href="http://www.newpointknives.co.uk/" target="new">New Point</a>, was inspired by a report about the life-threatening knife injuries doctors had to deal with every day.<br /><br />Unfortunately, Mr. Cornock's potentially life-saving design hasn't caught on fast enough. Last year, police in Lancashire took a more drastic approach, <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-lancashire-28925693" target="new">starting an amnesty campaign</a> designed to get Brits to turn in their more lethal, pointy knives.<br /><br />It's a rather simple concept, much like the <a href="https://www.gunowners.org/op0030.htm" target="new">gun buyback scams</a> perpetrated here in the U.S. Lancashire's law-abiding residents simply deposit their blades into designated "amnesty bins" conveniently located at various police stations across the county, and knife crime magically disappears.<br /><br />Labour Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw funded this brilliant program. "No-one should live in fear of knives being used in their community," he said (presumably in a snooty, condescending tone), "and I hope anyone in possession of an offensive weapon will use this opportunity to protect both themselves and those around them, by handing it in."<br /><br />The amnesty program is still in effect, and the Lancashire Constabulary <a href="http://www.lancashire.police.uk/help-advice/safer-communities/knife-crime.aspx" target="new">wants to reassure</a> those who might be afraid of knife-wielding maniacs:<blockquote><b>Don't be a victim</b><br /><br />If you feel you are in immediate danger from knife crime there are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself:<br /><ul><li>Move away from the situation towards a public place (shop, house, restaurant etc.) as quickly as possible.</li><li>Make as much noise as you can.</li><li>Instead of carrying a knife, carry a personal alarm.</li><li>Don't fight back.</li></ul></blockquote>And, above all, don't even think about bringing a gun to a knife fight. This is Great Britain. If you want the right to defend yourself, move to America.<br /><br />Similar programs have since sprouted up all across the U.K. The result? As of this past July, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/16/knife-in-england-and-wales-up-for-first-time-in-four-years" target="new">knife crime has gone up</a> for the first time in four years. A 2% rise in all knife offenses has been reported, along with a 13% rise in assaults with a knife. What a shock.<br /><br />You've got to hand it to our progressive friends across the Pond. They may not be the sharpest knives in the drawer, but they certainly are a persistent lot.Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35610522.post-34607861843067059652015-09-03T10:41:00.001-05:002015-09-03T10:41:33.472-05:00Adorable BB-8 droid from 'The Force Awakens' is now available to own<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QoOb5i0OIOY/VehoUmhdpkI/AAAAAAAAJQI/Ld-N0JqF2QY/s1600/bb-8.jpg"><img width="600" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QoOb5i0OIOY/VehoUmhdpkI/AAAAAAAAJQI/Ld-N0JqF2QY/s1600/bb-8.jpg" /></a></div><br />For $149.99, you can take home the <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2015/9/3/9253461/star-wars-bb8-droid-toy-video-price-release-date" target="new">adorable BB-8 droid</a> from <i>Star Wars: The Force Awakens</i>. It's remote-controlled and interacts with your smart phone. "But for all the added bells and whistles," we are told, "the BB-8's primary directive is really just to be a ball of cuteness." And that it is.<br /><br /><center><script height="340px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#ec=N0ZXhidzqQ66jY5EU2fUAgJoGMq0c3w6&amp;pbid=dcc84e41db014454b08662a766057e2b" width="600px"></script></center><br />Amost as cool as the <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2015/09/03/disney-is-selling-a-millennium-falcon-drone-starting-tomorrow/" target="new">Millennium Falcon drone</a>.Lee Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11254842261338255019noreply@blogger.com0